Fourth Sunday After the Octave of Theophany

THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
February 1, 2026

Fourth Sunday After the Octave of Theophany

Scripture Notes For Today’s Readings:

John 6:22-38 Having witnessed the miracle of Jesus feeding thousands with just a few loaves and fish, the people eagerly seek him, asking: ‘What other miraculous sign will you give us? Will it be like the manna God sent down to our ancestors in the wilderness?’ Jesus answers that he offers more than physical sustenance. He is the true bread from heaven: “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me will never go hungry.” (v.35) Discuss/reflect: Bread is a symbol for the physical food we need to live. What kind of hunger do you think Jesus is talking about when he says we will “never be hungry again?” What worldly hungers distract you from the nourishment only Jesus can provide?

2 Tim 3:1-12 St. Paul warns Timothy of false teachers who might appear godly and yet their behavior will reveal their character (v. 8: Jannes and Jambres were Egyptian court magicians at the time of Moses, false teachers themselves). He also declares that following Christ is not easy! (v.12) For many, it will be easier to be selfish, greedy, unforgiving, unloving, ungrateful and vain pleasure-seekers (vv 2-4). Discuss/reflect: Do the disagreeable qualities listed in vv 2-4 figure in today’s world? Are there times you display a “form of godliness” (v 5) without the inner heart for God?

Is 63:7-18 Almost Psalm-like in structure, these verses recall God’s saving actions in the past (such as the Exodus), acknowledge the sins of Israel, and end with a plea for mercy. Discuss/reflect: In verse 7, the prophet sings “of the kindnesses of the Lord.” Make such a list from what you observe in the world, in others, and in your own life.

Saturday, January 31: St. Sarkis the Warrior

“Warrior” might seem a curious word for describing a saint! And yet the imagery of spiritual warfare is deeply biblical. There were also many soldiers and generals (St Vartan) who fought for their faith, standing firm and courageous for Christ. Sarkis was a soldier of Greek descent in Emperor Constantine’s army. When Emperor Julian took the throne in 361, he began to zealously promote traditional Roman paganism instead of the Christian faith legitimized by Emperor Constantine in 313. This earned him the title “Apostate.” Under threat of persecution, Sarkis and his son Mardiros sought the protection of King Tiran of Armenia. From there, he went to serve in the Persian army, where he and his son won many converts to Christianity. When they refused to worship pagan idols, father and son were martyred. Fourteen Persian soldiers whom Sarkis had converted to Christianity risked their lives to bury the general’s body and they too were executed. In the fifth century, Mesrob Mashdotz moved the saint’s remains to Armenia.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Kiss Of Peace – After the gifts of the Eucharist are brought to the Altar Table, the deacon proclaims, “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” The person giving the greeting says, Kristos ee mech mer Haydnetsav – Christ is revealed amongst us. The recipient would respond, Orhnial eh Haydnootiunun Kristosee – Blessed is the revelation of Christ.

The Nicene Creed/ Havadamk (Page 18 in New Divine Liturgy Book) –This is the Profession of our Faith which is recited every Sunday moments after the Gospel is read from the altar. Sometimes it is sung, but more often it is recited by the Deacons and/or the Choir. We invite you to affirm your own “Profession of Faith” by reciting along with us. God longs for all of us to express our faith and devotion to Him.

Altar Flowers for today are donated by the Paretchan, Garibian and Javardian Families.

Requiem Services – We Honor And Pray For These Souls

Karasoonk (40 Days) today will be for

Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian on the 40^th day of his eternal rest. Requested in loving memory by Yn. Joyce Arzoumanian, Mr. Hagop Arzoumanian, Mrs. Maro Arzoumanian Pattoukian and Family, Artinian Family (Egypt), Mrs. Sima Arzoumanian, Mr. & Mrs. Krikor and Sossi Soghomonian and Family, Mr. & Mrs. Harout & Lena Arzoumanian, Mr. & Mrs. Armand and Sylvia Markarian and Family, Mr. & Mrs. Ara and Kelly Arzoumanian and Family, Mr. & Mrs. Berdj and Liz Mazmanian and Family, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony and Suzy Pellegrino and Family, Mr. & Mrs. Daniel and Selena Mazmanian, Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian and Family, Ms. Anahid Arzoumanian and Family, Dr. Yervant Arzoumanian and Family, Mr. & Mrs. David and Margaret Mgrublian and Family, Mr. & Mrs. Sarkis and Suzy Arzoumanian and Family, Mr. & Mrs. Mgo and Naira Tashjian

Hokehankist Today Will Be For

Kima Avakyan, Vera Avakyan and Horest Petrosyan requested in loving memory by the Avakyan Family.

Antranik and Virginia Javardian parents and brother Andre Javardian requested in loving memory by the Javardian family.

Esther Momjian and Anne Hanamirian. Requested in loving memory by their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The Momjian, Hanamirian and Semerjian Families.

Rantik & Asya Osipyan requested in loving memory by their grandchildren Nicholas Hovsepian and Elina Osipyan.

Sooren & Mary Paretchan and Judy Paretchan (3 year) requested by Robert & Diane Paretchan, Donald Paretchan, Michael & Tanya Paretchan, and Families.

Gurgen & Catherine Sarkisov requested in loving memory by their grandchildren Elena Perelman and Natalya Ryabysheva and their daughter Tatyana Ryabysheva.

Albert Torcomian on the 18th anniversary of his eternal rest. In loving memory by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Archbishop Papken Varjabedian, Kegham & Sonig Varjabedian, Shahe Varjabedian, Hagop & Miriam Varjabedian, Karapet & Hayarpi Garigian and Niaz Karabian requested by the Paretchan, Garibian, and Javardian Families.

Richard & Evelyn Weinsheimer requested by Greg & Maria Javardian and Family.

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Agape Hour Today – All are invited, long time parishioners, new members, and first-time visitors, please join us after Badarak in our lovely hall for Christian fellowship, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, and greet fellow parishioners and Der Hayr. Agape hour begins when Der Hayr blesses the table.

Today’s Agape Hour is sponsored by the family of Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian.

Annual Parish Assembly – Scheduled for February 22, 2026 with alternate snow dates of March 1 or March 8.

Nominees For Parish Council – Any dues paid member may submit their name to anyone on the Nominating Committee if you wish to run for office. Don’t wait to be asked – offer your services to your church.

Discover the Beauty of the Armenian Language! – Learn Eastern Armenian with Mariam, a native speaker, through engaging and personalized classes that focus on the alphabet, vocabulary, cultural insights, and practical communication. Sign up now and start your Armenian language journey with Mariam! For more information, please contact Mariam via Email at marpoghosyan17@gmail.com or call her at 445-256-3966.

Seeking Part-time Organists – The Choir of Holy Trinity continues to seek multiple talented musicians who would be seriously interested in playing the organ for the Sunday morning Divine Liturgy (Badarak) on a rotating schedule. Organ lessons will be provided for the interested candidates, along with one-on-one direction from a senior choir person. For more information, please contact Karinne Andonian at karinne.hov@gmail.com.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Day of Remembrance

There will be a short candle-lighting service and hokehankisd to honor the memory of those in our community who passed away in 2025 and received the burial rites of our church. Through this ceremony, the entire Holy Trinity Parish shares in each family’s loss and remembers all the departed with love, gratitude and consoling prayer.

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Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian

Svitlana Agadzhanova

Armen Alahverde, Jr

Alex Alexanian

Kima Avakyan

Sarah Babaian

Nick Bagdatev

Bruce Boyajian

Galya Gazarova

Martin Gutchigian

Anna Hanamirian

Nezihe Hashas

Denise Hess

Stephen Hovnanian

Elizabeth Hovsepian

Alice Karabian

Esther Momjian

Nina Okoorian

Markrit Shadoyan

Andranik Tovmasyan

~~~~~~~~~~UPCOMING EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Feb 16 Lent Begins

Feb 20 Zoom Rest Service

Feb 22 Annual Parish Assembly

Feb 27 Zoom Fr. Arshen Aivazian presents

Holy Trinity Armenian
Apostolic Church

Sunday Hours

Directions

Fourth Sunday After the Octave of Theophany